The Khama Rhino Sanctuary Trust

Kgosi Martin's Cattle Round -up

Kgosi Moipolai Martin, an elder Chief and Trustee spent the last few months rounding up the remaining wild cattle at the Sanctuary. There were approximately one hundred cows and despite the repeated attempts of others, the cattle eluded capture until Kgosi Martin arrived on the scene and "took the bulls by the horn."

Kgosi Martin's commitment and perseverance have been beyond anyone's expectations. The Chief virtually camped at the Sanctuary, lying in wait for the unsuspecting cattle, which once rounded up were then taken to their rightful owners or if unclaimed to the Matimela (stray cattle kraal). Only sixteen cattle remain. Bravo, Kgosi Martin!

Sanctuary Developments

Mokongwa Camp has become a popular spot for day and overnight visitors. There has been a steady stream of visitors despite the lack of any advertising or promotion, confirmation of the power of "word of mouth" endorsement.

Each camp site is situated under a rare and beautiful shady Mokongwa (Manketti) tree and is equipped with a water tap and braai/cooking area. Man visitors find it difficult to leave the camp for game drives because they so enjoy the peace and tranquillity there. The birdlife is also excellent at Mokongwa-they like the camp too. Come and see for yourself!

The ablution facilities were completed in March and have been a major amenity for visitors. The U.S. Ambassador's Self-Help Fund assisted in the funding of materials and Capricorn Construction provided vital skilled labour to complete the project. BMB Merchants, Nashua, P.G. Glass and other generous donors provided the important "finishing touches",

Upon completion, former U.S. Ambassador H. Jeter, dedicated the new facility. KRST enjoyed a special relationship with Ambassador Jeter who demonstrated ongoing support for the project and the people involved in its development. The KRST wishes Ambassador Jeter all the best in his new position as U.S. Special Envoy in Liberia.

Visitor Comments

The KRST visitor book is full of compliments such as:

Thank you to all the visitors for their kind words of support and encouragement and to those with suggestions, we will try to address and remedy any concerns noted. Thanks to all visitors for your important feedback.

Broadhurst and Maruapula Schools Sponsor Events

Broadhurst primary School in Gaborone adopted one of the KRST's rhino calves and raised funds on its behalf. The students sponsored a showing of the film "Babe" and raised more than P6,000. Thanks to all the students, the Grand Palm Hotel for providing the venue and to Jill Brownlee, the teacher who organised the event.

Maruapula School's Running Club sponsored a run on behalf of the KRST. Thanks to the 300 students for soliciting sponsors and running for the cause. Special thanks to Alan Wilson, Deputy Headmaster and Charles Sheldon.

Rhino and Elephant Group Hosts Conference at KRS

The Rhino and Elephant Group (REG)-Security Committee held a conference at the Sanctuary in April. Approximately 80 members from the Southern African region camped and attended meetings under large tents (generously provided by the BDF) at Mokongwa Camp. The REG is formulating a Regional Master Plan to provide uniformity and consensus on strategies for the protection of rhino and elephant in Southern Africa. The REG is comprised of rhino and elephant owners from the entire Southern African region including government, NGO's and private individuals and organisations.

After the conference, Nick Steel, Chairman of the REG-Security Committee stated, "I was very impressed with the [Khama] Rhino Sanctuary and the efforts being put into protecting those priceless white rhino we saw on our tour. Surely Khama Rhino Sanctuary must be one of the most successful community projects in the sub-region..."

Many thanks to Tony and Adair Ballentine and Len de Krou for their monumental efforts in making the conference a great success!

Tribal authority Donates Office to KRST

The Tribal Authority Kgosi S. Kgamane donated the use of one of its offices to the KRST. The present KRST office is operated from the home of it's Coordinator, The new centrally located office will provide greater accessibility and awareness to the public and is an example of the high level of commitment and support from the Tribal Authority.

The Sanctuary gates are open daily from 8am until 6.30pm

Entrance fee: P10.00 per vehicle per day

P2.50 per person per day

Children under 13 are free

P50 per truck 3 tons and over

Camping fee: P 10.00 per person per night

Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended due to rough and sandy roads

Round Table 64 Adopts KRS

Round Table 64, a branch of the international service organisation in Gaborone, hosted a fund raising dinner, sponsored two working weekends at the Sanctuary and manned a booth at the Botswana International Trade Show to raise awareness and funds for the Sanctuary. Thank you to Chairman, Gary Kruger, organiser Penny Kruger and all the Round Tablers who ensured the success of these events.

KRST Attends IUCN Conference in Montreal

The World Conservation Union (IUCN), the largest and one of the oldest international organisations dedicated to nature conservation, held its largest Congress ever in Montreal in October. As an IUCN member, the KRST was honoured to attend and participate in the Congress activities due to the generous assistance provided by DANCED and IUCN.